Medicine: No Help from Alcohol?

Many physicians still prescribe modest doses of whisky for heart patients in the belief that alcohol increases the blood flow to the heart muscle by dilating blood vessels. But does it? Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and at the University of Mississippi found that a few shots slowed up blood flow in dogs' hearts, and a few more forced the heart to work harder. Moving from animals to humans, investigators at the New Jersey College of Medicine found that men who took six or seven drinks over two hours suffered reduced pumping action of the heart. From animals to man, the evidence suggested that alcohol is no direct help for the ailing heart. Even so, many doctors are likely to continue using it. As a mild relaxant, it has a psychological effect that can be good.